Tray



Oct. 22, 1929. A, wHn-E v 1,732,824

TRAY

Filed Oct. 12, 1927 6 INVENTOR lazz ress I BY ATTORNEY Patented Get. 22, 1929 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE TRAY Application. filed October 12, 192-7. Serial No. 225,709.

My invention relates to improvements in trays. it is adapted for medicine trays, such as are used in hospitals.

One object of my invention is to provide in a t1r5 novel means for holding tumblers and identifying the contents of the tumblers.

Another object is to provide novel means for preventing accidental removal of slips adjacent to and which identify the contents 19 of the tumblers. A further object is to provide novel means for preventing accidental detachment of the slips from the tray when the tumblers are removed from the tray.

Still another object of my invention is to provide in the tray novel cushioning means for holding the tumblers firmly and preventing their rattling and which may also be employed for releasably holding the slips from detachment, when the tumblers are .removed.

A further, object of my invention is to provide a tray of the kind described which is simple, cheap, durable, sanitary, not liable to get out of order and which is compact.

The novel features of my invention are hereinafter fully described and shown.

In the accompanying drawing, which illus trates my invention,

Fig. 1 is a plan view, partly broken away,

of my improved tray, showing two tumblers and three identifying slips mounted thereon.

Fig. 2 is a section on the line 2-2 of Fig. 1.

Fig. 8 is a section, enlarged, on the line 33 of Fig. 1.

Fig. 4. is a plan view of a modification of the ring tumbler cushion.

Similar reference 1 characters designate similar parts in the different views.

The tray is provided with a fiat base board 1 having in its upper side a series of transverse rows of holes 2 for respectively receiving therein tumblers 3, or similar devices, which may contain medicine for dif ferent patients.

For identifying the tumblers and their contents, there are provided identifying slips 4, which are respectively held adjacent to the holes 2 by suitable means, which may comprise transverse strips 5, which may be metal, such as aluminum or brass, and which are fastened to the upper side of the board 1 respectively adjacent to and parallel with the rows of holes 2.

Each strip 5 has a plurality of slip holders having slip receiving openings 6 in the edge of the strip next to an adjacent row of holes 2. Each strip 5 also has in its upper side observation openings 7 respectively registering with the openings 6 and with the slips 4-, through which the inscriptions on the slips may be read. Each strip 5 also has lips 8 adapted to respectively overlap the slips a.

The strips 5 are so located with respect to the holes 2 and the slips 4, that the tumblers 3, when in the holes 2, will be in the paths respectively traversed by the slips 4 in their insertion or removal through the openings 6, thereby securely holding the slips w from accidental removal from the slip holders.

For suspending the tray vertically, when not in use, the board 1 may be provided at one end with suitable supporting means, which may comprise a plate 9 having a hole 10 adapted to receive a supporting device, such as a nail or screw, not shown.

The openings 6 face toward the end of the board 1 to which is attached the plate 9, r so that when the tumblers are removed the slips can not fall out.

Edge strips 11 may be attached to the respective edges of the board 1 and extend above the latter for preventing spilled liquid from running from the board.

For carrying the tray, there may be provided two U shaped handles 12 and 13 having their arms respectively pivoted to ears 1%, two pairs of which are respectively secured to opposite longitudinal edges of the board 1.

For cushioning the tumblers 3 and holding them securely and preventing their rattling in the tray, there are firmly mounted in the holes Q-respectively ring cushions 15, which are of pliable material, such as soft rubber or felt, and in which the tumblers are adapted to snugly fit.

The ring cushions 15 may project, as shown, slightly above the board 1, and with their upper portions in the paths of the slips 4:, whereby they will prevent the accidental removal of the slips When the tumblers are removed. The fieXible pliable nature of the ring cushions 15 permits of their being readily flexed to permit the insertion or removal, intentionally, of the slips.

In the operation of the invention, suitably inscribed slips 4 are mounted in their respective holders, and the tumblers containing the different medicines are slipped into the ring cushions 16 which respectively aline With the slips 4 relating to the tumblers. The latter Will prevent removal of the slips Without the removal of the tumblers. After the tumblers are removed, the ring cushions 15 Will prevent the accidental removal of the slips.

In Fig. 4: is shown a modification of the ring cushion comprising a rubber ring 16 adapted to be fitted in one of the holes 2 and provided on its inner periphery with lugs 17 adapted to engage the outside of a tumbler. In other respects, the ring cushion 16 corresponds to the ring cushion 15 in structure and function.

I do not limit my invention'to the structure shown and described, as modifications, Within the scope of the appended claim, may be made Without departing from the spirit ofmy invention.

' What I claim In a tray of the kind described, a base board having in its upper side holes, flexible ring cushions respectively fitted in said holes and adapted to receive and removably hold tumblers, and means on said base board adapted to receive and hold identifying slips, the said flexible ring cushions being respectively in the paths of said slips in the insertion orremoval of the latter With respect to said slip holding means, said cushions being adapted to be flexed sufi'iciently to permit the insertion or removal of said slips, when the tumblers are removed.

In testimony whereof I have signed my name to this specification.

ANNIE E. (1. WHITE. 

